By Toby Ehrlich
Residents with Dementia are sometimes more challenging to successfully engage in recreational activities. The Martin and Edith Stein Residence is starting a new program on its Jaffa Gate Memory Care Neighborhood called the Montessori Reading Program. You might be surprised to see residents with memory impairment reading out loud. That’s right, reading out loud. It turns out not only can they read aloud, but they’re doing it and enjoying it. A new program based on the Montessori program for reading is now being used with Older Adults with Dementia. Reading is a skill that often remains even in the later stages of dementia, so a reading and discussion type of group is an activity residents enjoy and benefit from. Special books designed for this purpose can either be made or purchased; the books must have very large, clear print and short sentences. They must also have simple questions about what has been read, which can cue the memory. “We are very excited to offer this program three times a week and residents are very engaged in the activity” said Jackie Kott, Recreation Director. Jackie recently attended special training on The Montessori Program and will be incorporating many of the skills she learned into the recreational activities for the Jaffa Gate Memory Care Residents.
For more information on The Martin and Edith Stein Assisted Living Residence and Jaffa Gate Memory Care Neighborhood in Somerset, New Jersey or to join us for an activity. Contact us at [email protected] or 732-568-1155.

